From the ground up

Woman running late father's construction company gets involved with client whos house she is overhauling. He and his 'polite young men' 24/7/365 job mandated security "The most dangerous half dozen

He could hear the screaming long before he turned the corner, well Bob screaming, the woman just getting louder as she refused something.

What? He said. She won’t honer her estimate Bob screamed. He looked at woman, she eyed him, stuck out her hand and said Emily, Harrison Construction. He shook, nice, firm, no nonsense. My estimate was based on condition of house when I gave estimate. That’s changed, a lot. So, new estimate. I’ll sue hollered Bob.

Stop! OK, whats changed? Well, to start. Ancient plumbing was hanging on but there was enough to make legal connection. Bobs cut rate BS artist clowns broke that off so now we have to jackhammer floor to access sewer. Then we have to have that inspected and correct whatever else pisses off inspector. You don’t need inspector Bob started… Yeah, I kinda do, I’m honest and I plan on doing more work here.

Finally Emily said, who are you? George, I’m trying to buy this wreck. From? Bank, why? She looked at Bob and said banks don’t need Realtor, act for themselves. Smiled and
walked off saying she needed a coffee.

George found her looking at blueprints and said that was cold. She looked up, and? Harris Reality is no longer associated with this project. I think bank was relieved. She said I’ve known Bob Harris for years, the clue that he’s lying is that you can hear him. I just got tired of having him call me a liar.

So, really buying this? Yep. Why? I lived here a long time ago, always loved this old place. I can buy it now, so I am. You looked at my original est? All of it. So you know it would probably be cheaper to just to bulldoze and start over? Yep. Still want to restore. OBTW I made low-ball offer on house just now, I figure if I was getting rid of PITA Bob, I could have skip bank suits and deal with you. Bank is bitching but I think they will cash check and walk. Probably, they’re not in building business. Later. he said, as he walked, he stopped, if you need signature or something, I’ll be back.

The next day she was mad, the idiot Bob had slapped a TRO no job based on illegal termination. George had laughed uproariously and said give me that. Made a call, still laughing. Said, partially my fault, how about BBQ and a beer for everyone, on me. Happy workers.

About 30 min, Bob walked back on site, visibly shaken, never mind, mistake, TRO canceled, never happened, bye. What hell was that she said? He met my lawyers. Won’t be back.

Next day, he was sitting, lounging actually, at picnic table behind house. Have lunch with me asked. she sat, intrigued. He had a whole herb roasted chicken, cold, a warm loaf of French bread, and a very well chilled bottle of Bellingham Gran Cru. Several small wedges of various cheeses completed the meal.

As they ate, he asked how she got into constriction. Dad and two of his workers killed in accident. Builder lawyers screwed everybody, quit school to support family. George said thoughtfully, my lawyers got a firebrand that just loves wrongful death cases. OK if he pokes around, no charge. he may call you and ask if he may represent you. Say yes, legal right to investigate. Same for workers families. OK, too late anyway. No, not for wrongful death.

Around 6 weeks later, Emily said she’d been summoned to meeting with law firm along with families of the two men killed with her dad. would he accompany her? Of course.

The three groups sat, the women holding hands. The lawyer had greeted George warmly, then, taking his queue, ignored him as he sat well back from table.

The lawyer said once we got conformation we were representing all of you, and judge starting issuing Discovery motions, their case dissolved. We refused the desperation offers of one million or so. Flinching among family members.

The final, and as this pushes them into bankruptcy, this is final, 2.673 million per family. Silence. Total silence. He pushed documents across table to each family. These need to be signed.

The total settlement was 8.2 million. Our firm took a modest 180,000 for expenses.

This is critically important. None of this payment is punitive damages, NONE. This is compensatory damages for wrongful death.

Let me repeat that compensatory damages for wrongful death are not taxable

Why am I repeating my self, per IRS punitive damages are taxable. Compensatory damages for wrongful death are not.

Here are cards for our tax group. NEVER talk to IRS alone. NEVER talk to IRS on phone. Always call for lawyer if IRS contacts you. Right or wrong does not matter, the IRS wants all the money, all the time.

And, my best advice, do not discuss settlement outside family sitting here now.

Oh, one IRS trick, is to seize money ‘for investigation’ and make you try to get it back. Works great on cash in banks. Your money is in a high earning account at Capital Group. You may, of course move it as you see fit.

In morning the constructions guys were happy,they figured that they got good money, take care of family, put his kids through school. Not stupid money, like 20 million, not insult money like 100 grand, but good money. Unlike Emily, they had heard George berating lawyers to settle higher. They liked him for standing up for workers and for not bragging.

Later in the day, her friends came her office. They’d been crying, all of the relatives with new medical problems, with investment ideas, with ‘you owe family’, the family priests with demands, even the bishop.

Ladies when I quit school and was working 18 hour days trying to save dads company and help feed my family, and Mrs Zackowski, Albina, you were working two crap jobs trying to feed your kids, and you Mrs Rodríguez, Maria, had three jobs due to your moms medical expenses, where were these people?

Where were your relatives? Ignoring you?

Where was the church? Busy with important things?

Where was your priest? Having a second drink with supper?

Now you have a little money, bought with your husbands deaths, it’s La Familia this and Ten Rodzina that and you owe, you must, ….. and let’s not forget the open hand from the church saying you must, gods will, tithe. Ask yourself what your husband would say about people wanting the money safeguarding their families.

Someone once said blood makes you related, love makes you family. You two are more my family than those I was born to. Whatever you decide to do with your money, I have your back. Me? I’m telling everyone expecting my money to f**k off.

Albina and Maria collapsed into a group hug with Emily. The three who had been through so much together laughing and crying.

A priest came to her office, my child… Stop. I’m not your child. What do you want? We are all gods children… And you speak for god? What do you want? Last chance. Long pause, these ladies owe god a portion…. You are getting it, exactly the same as help you provided them. Nothing. Get out. He bristled and took a step. One of the young men George seemed to always have around said, you heard the Lady, out. He spun, looked at kid, looked again, deflated, and left wordless.

Emily really looked at clean cut, very polite, harmless looking young man and wondered, time to have a talk with George.

Col Jackson’s stopped the trooper at the house, and asked why he was there. The trooper got loud and abrasive unfortunate choice. In a blur he never understood he was disarmed stuck in the back of what was obviously some kinds of government vehicle, those that came with 5 radios, computer linkage, armor plating and noticeably un friendly occupants.

The Col introduced himself as the person having to deal with the troopers sad a*s. After short discussion, he was showed enough government ID to scare anyone, FBI, DEA, Secret Service, State Law enforcement and told to leave, not come back, and keep his damn mouth shut. 

Later the Col tells George kid was trouble, too dumb to keep quiet, the “I’ve got a secret” type. But we noticed army tattoo. Great, have him recalled and shipped to hell. Done Sir. 

George looked at the security team, 6 no body fat, lethally trained cheerful polite young men. Experts with everything went bang or held an edge. Rangers, green beret, delta force, UDT, seal, FBI HRT, cross trained with UK and SA SAS, Russian Spetsnaz, Mossad Kidon. The most dangerous half dozen predators on earth. Ah well, came with job he guessed.

He and Emily were ennjoying more time together, at jobsite and socially. Unlike most relationships, they found that just being together, sitting watching sunset, reading, was more enjoyable than most other actives. After dinner one night, she gestured to ever present young man posistioned between them and doors, and said, OK spill. He looked trapped but said, well, security detail. Gold team actually. Job mandated, 24/7, 365. She said, armed? Beyond belief he replied. What do you DO? Well, currently liaison all anti drug and smuglmg in the Americas and Carabean, with close contact through Australasia and Asia. DEA, Homeland, and Interpol all report to me. She just looked at him. In a small voice, dangerious? Well, very well could be, currently the belief is that “I” the one in charge, is actually an Interpol DEA joint venture operating from Langley. Thus the low profile. She thought abut him and how they felt together. Leaned back and said, want coffee?

Maria and Albina, at the urging oh their daughters, had had a makeover, just to feel nice. Well, as their daughters had trashed every worn out underwear, stained top, down at heel shoes, all of it, their mothers had little choice. Also they made their mothers buy nice church clothing, christening, funeral, wedding dresses.

Their mothers were irritated so daughters asked, uh can we get into Emily’s place? Silence. Smiles. The group went to the Harrison house, took Emily's mom into plot and trashed all the weld burned clothes, worn out boots, ripped items. Then the daughters took Emily shopping. Not sexier exactly, but feminine.

Elaine gave up and got the makeover recommended. Darkened her faded hair back to raven, spa treatment on skin, she had to admit,she felt better and her dad would have approved. At construction site she got thumbs up and playfully whistles as she spun in knee length dress.

George walked around corner and stopped dead. Slack jawed. Said

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies

Oh my god, you are gorgeous, I love you, marry me.

She just looked at him. Stunned. She’d heard of spontaneous statements but….

He was silent, he looked like a puppy unsure of being petted or put out. He just sat. Waiting. The odd thing was she appeared to be the only surprised person. Her crew and his staff just looked, like, well, finally.

Her mom, Maria, Alvin’s and their daughters were on edge of their seats but totally unsurprised. She looked at Albina, what? Oh girl, can’t you see, the poor man is besotted, he follows you constantly. He ditches his phones when you show up. He makes sure he’s the closest person if you need a hand for physical contact.

Maria said, run him off, sleep with him, postpone him, whatever you want but, god girl, put him out of his misery.

Emily went to George, took both his hands, trying to ignore the large audience, and said I’m not saying no. Joy. But I’m not saying yes, not yet. Let’s take this a little slower. OK? Yes, I can do that. Fine.

Life went back to kinda normal, however she was hyper aware of his attention. A friend had a construction shack he wasn’t using, she had it placed with windows facing away from work area. Powered. Small ice box. Chair. Table (4x8 on supports). She banished him for most of day. She could hear his printer, near constant typing on one of his three laptops, talking on what appeared to be a dozen phones. Calm. This went on for weeks, with occasional dinners, lots of lunches, long walking woods.

She walked out for a break, saw him sitting on a 5 gal bucket. She waved him over, came at once. Gestured to trailer. Inside were tables on three walls, covered with plans, salvaged small kitchen cabinets, all locked, containing the small hi dollar items that tend to wander. Frig, coffee, microwave. Door. Behind, that quarter of trailer was her private bath, never shared, and a bunk.

They sat on stools, just talking. Nice. Leaving, he bent over to leave a kiss on her cheek, just as she turned, their lips met. From 4” he bent for more, she accepted gladly, their eyes changed, his hand behind her head he pulled her into a deep lasting kiss. She, knowing she was crossing a line, reciprocated.

An hour or so later, her foreman made the hand across neck gesture and said Shut it down, done for the day.

At dusk, Emily looked out, damn, late. An arm pulled her back to bunk. Around midnight she forced herself up, said coffee and walked into front room. Returning she put the coffees on the tiny bedside table and bent to kiss him.

Around 4 she watched him toss the cold coffees and bring back a couple bottles of water. Finally around 6 she said Damn, now I’ve got to slink out wearing yesterdays clothes. She rooted among carryons, finding a dirty blouse and pants. She changed, said you are a bad man, smiled and left.

As she was showering, a realization hit her, she lunged for a calendar. Just sat. Met with Maria and Albina. They took one look and said what’s wrong? Uh. Well. George and I got kinda intimate last night. Whoooo girl! All night to be honest. Bragging? Well, when we were all broke, I stopped the pill, expensive and I wasn’t seeing anyone. We didn’t have any condoms. What do you know about rhythm method? Church BS, don’t work they both said. When was your last period? Two weeks I think. Silence. Oh, she said looking at them.

Sorry Hon but your going to have to wait a couple of weeks till the sticks are accurate. Or go see a doctor who will want you to wait as well

She placated a worried George, no she was not mad, yes she loved him, she just needed some time. After a very very long 10 days, her family descended on her, all three mothers, sisters, whatever. They had a total of 9 different brands. She took a breath, carried all of them in to her bath. Came out with all sticks wrapped in a paper towel, drying her hands. after a couple min, she started flopping the sticks over. ++++++ ====== PREGNANT, 100% agreement.

She shooed them out and waved to George, sitting on his bucket and really curious. He walked in, what’s gong on? Remember our might. grinning, vividly. Well I stopped the pill when dads company was in trouble Too expensive and, you remember we did not use condoms? Yeah, so? She pulled the napkin off the sticks. Hi dad.

Shock, surprise, rapidity growing joy, no hesitation at all. He grabbed her up, bursting through the door, spinning her around, laughing and crying. Then a sudden shock, gently setting her down, you OK? She laughed moms are a lot tougher than that. He called her crew over, Said we‘re pregnant. Changes as of NOW.

in a rather more intense tone, he nodded to the Foreman, you’re general Foreman, to lead carpenter, you’re framing Foreman. Salary changes next paycheck. Emily barred from ladders. No weld fumes, no paint exposure, no adhesive exposure. yeah, she’s stubborn. But violations well be managed by that group, pointing to her moms and sisters, not me. The ladies looked happy with changes. Oh crap said Emily,

Now will you marry me? Yes yes I will. Great, this afternoon at courthouse? Sure she said with evil grin, invite them, pointing to ladies. Then sat back to enjoy. The reaction from her moms was everything she expected. George came crawling back, you are a bad women, feeding me to…. That.

My mom had been planning my wedding all my life. The other two moms have, uh, strong opinions. No s**t be said. What kind if circus are we talking about. I’m trying to hold down to two ring. Basic rules, wear what’s given, stand where told, smile, for men sign checks, smile, keep mouth shut.

I have refused to even consider any one of the monstrous dresses shown in modern bride. And to requiring bridesmaid dresses. Everything else is up for grabs. He thought, walked over to ladies and said. dark suit, no tie, no Jacket, tux shirt, dads diamond studs and cuff links. Done. They thought and said jacket? No. Thought again, OK. Walked back to Emily, small victory, told her proposal. Good job.

Emily and her ‘sisters’ went shopping, an antique outlet, she found the perfect ankle length pastel, gauzy dress with faded spring watermarks. they had a selection, the girls bought their favorites and ones for mothers. They were all beautiful, coordinated, yet were not the matching dresses Emily hated. Sorted.

They went to see the Priest, by luck, same guy trying to get the ladies settlement. George said they wanted to discuss their vows, he imminently said they were the word of god and would not be changed. George said they were the word of the church, The Order of Celebrating Matrimony, and had been changed several times in last 10 years. Oh, he was fired.

They went and found Bishop’s office. Introduced themselves. George put a copy of vows on table and said those were the ones they were using. Bishop said that sounded like an ultimatum. George said good ear. He read vows. Several times, and said we don’t mention Children so prominently. Emily said your problem. He looked at her, the omitted line in Ruth? I was raised Catholic, I can’t say that. i need to discuss this but I really see no issues. Thank you they both said.

George disappeared into his makeshift office, sometimes long long into the night. He told her he was planning a major operation and wanted to get everything lined up before he pulled the trigger. Just before their wedding day, he was sitting on his bucket, drinking coffee and completely relaxed. smiled at her, let’s get married. Your project? Too big for real time control. I’ve wound it all up, time for it to run on its own. When will you know if it’s working? Every news cast. On? Every network. That big? Bigger.

They stood in the Cathedral facing the Bishop. After Prayers and the standard questions,The Bishop said since it is your intention to enter into the covenant of Holy Matrimony, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church.

I, George, take you, Emily, to be my wife and the mother of our child. I promise to be faithful and true to you both in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

I, Emily, take you, George, to be my husband and the father of our child. I promise to be faithful and true to you both in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.

What God joins together, let no one put asunder. Bishop blesses the rings and hands to Emily and George.

Emily, receive this ring as a sign of my eternal love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Said George

George, receive this ring as a sign of my eternal love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Said Emily.

The Bishop said, I pronounce you husband and wife. They turned to each other, holding hands, and spoke in unison

Intreat me not to leave thee,
or to return from following after thee:
for whither thou goest, I will go;
and where thou lodgest, I will lodge:
thy people shall be my people, and
GEORGE ONLY thy God my God:
Where thou diest, will I die, and
there will I be buried:
the Lord do so to me, and more also,
if ought but death part thee and me.

They turned to ecstatic family and friends in congregation, beaming. As the Bishop shook hands, George passed him an honorarium, 50,000. He thought the poor man was going to faint.

It started in Alaska and northern Canada. Reports of fires in isolated areas. Arson they said. More numerous, closer to towns, equipment. Then full reports, grow operations, poppies, pot. All equipment destroyed, irrigation systems gone. Fuel, fire. Number growing rapidly, calls to DEA, he’s out, leave a message.

Larger operations, lab tech pulling samples at point of seizure dope to burner, sample to lab, lab call to Assistant Federal District Attorney in court. Judge signs. Burned. Operation Rapid Burn. Drug Lawyers screaming. All equipment piled in building, heavy explosives. Junk. Burn remains.
Moving fast, by time Cartel lawyers organize, they were two locations down the road. Operators who surrender are arrested, hi-res color video and sound of entire event, armed resistance always needed body bags. Response was military grade heavy weapons. “No officers down” motto. Courts were backed up with whining Cartel lawyers and scum bags by the time they got to gulf. Estimated ranged from 500 million to two billion in loses. And climbing rapidly. In general police were ecstatic. Early in gulf operations a Columbia Coast Guard Cutter was taking fire from 5 cigarette boats with automatic deck guns. There was a distant roar moving very very fast. A pair of F14 Tomcats at around 400 feet and Mach one flew over. There was a very loud ripping canvas sound. And they were gone. The Cutter Captain clicked the Guard mike. Thank,you Navy. We were in area. Glad to be of assistance. Fair Sky's and Following Seas Navy. out. With real pleasure in his voice, and to you Sir. Out

Well, clean up time said his Exec. No, not until after lunch. Grabbing ships intercom, Lunch. After lunch, most of chum had dispersed

With ROE now zero aggression allowed, Surface fleet was concentrating on detection and interdiction, gulf was becoming ‘smuggle, resist, and die’ zone. Bordering nations met team at entry, smiling, local and national police. US provided intel, locals provided body bags. Losses climbed past 33 billion

The Mexican Navy Euro-copter Panther had been on routine anti-smuggling patrol when it found the heavily armed semi submersible with pair of high speed deck 20 mm cannons. It was out gunned and requested help on Guard. In a minute they heard “Incoming”. Really ugly Marine A10 Warthog dropped from clouds, ran a short burst down long axis of sub, and lifted out of area. Well, at 80 rounds a second of 30 mm depleted uranium, short is relative.

Unlike tungsten, uranium is pyrophoric. It also has a lower melting point than tungsten. As a DU penetrator strikes a target, its surface temperature increases dramatically. This causes localized softening in what are known as "adiabatic shear bands" and a sloughing off of portions of the projectile's surface. This keeps the tip sharp and prevents the mushrooming effect that occurs with tungsten.

When the DU penetrates the target vehicle, the larger fragments tend to chew up whatever is inside while the pyrophoricity of the uranium increases the likelihood that the vehicle's fuel and/or ammunition will explode. The technical term used to describe these events is "behind-the-target effectiveness."

Remember, this is weapon that shredded Iraq - Russian
main battle tanks like coleslaw.

The sub just opened like a flower of flame. Gone. Gracious Navy, out. Da Nada Navy. Out.

It kept getting worse in gulf. Cartels could not or would not understand difference between thug tough, cartel tough, gangster tough and the tough of a professional military and its equipment designed from the start to go against toughest opponents in the world. And beat them.

Loses were estimated to approach 90 billion.

Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, Indonesia, and others in region saw this a once in lifetime chance to break Triads. Arrests using mysteriously supplied evidence, convictions, executions by the thousands. Despite repeated requests all evidence was crooks, none was social dissidents. When attempts were made to force such connections, quiet word that they could loose ALL Information Stopped attempt.

Losses approached 200 billion world wide

Emily and George had just finished a routine checkup. Obstetrician stepped in, this is rather embarrassing, I seemed to have overlooked a child. Silence. You are carrying twins, �'�‍♂️ One has been, well, hiding, behind its sibling. And we drastically minimize x-rays on fetus for safety anyway. Nothing I can say other than, I’m sorry. Silence. I’ll leave you for a few minutes. Silence. Emily finished getting dressed. They walked out in silence. Looked at each other on sidewalk, suddenly grabbed each other and spun laughing and crying.

George said, let me tell them. I owe for what they have done to me. She looked at him. George……..

He called her family, When they were all there, he said after appointment today, we have a problem. Dead very worried silence. It turns out we will not be having a child. Sick silence. Close to tears. GEORGE!!! We are having twins. Then he ran, laughing, before her moms could get him.

Of course, the cartels tried, first the standard plata o plomo, take bribe or we kill you, or your family. No one knew anything. they kidnapped many DEA agents trying for information. Quiet group of polite young men, found them, freed hostages, and killed all of them. They then moved to cartel HQ and killed everybody there.

Cartel attacked DEA headquarters, killed a number of agents and bystanders. That night, cartel compound in mountains was hit with what appeared to be a cruse missile wave. US denied any involvement, wrong construction, wrong explosive, no launch evidence on any radar. etc.

Cartel attacked police station, killed all on duty officers. That night 5 cartel compounds were pounded into plowed ground. Everything killed.

Cartel attacked courthouse, killed lawyers and judges.

That night 48 compounds destroyed an all occupants killed. In general, question on every bodies mind was, How, stupid WERE CARTELS? Word was surviving cartel Leaders had a little meeting. and leaders of hyper violent group became fertilizer. Calm.

In hills, group of polite young men took amateur rocketry guidance packages off improvised missiles, two or more 55 gal drums welded end to end, loaded with high explosives, aluminium nitrate and fuel oil,, and removed solid fuel propulsion package. Crude, only had to work over a couple of miles. NASA did a fine design job. The guidance and propulsion were carefully destroyed. The launch setup, canvas topped semi trailers, were burned along with missiles.

Losses approach 500 billion.

As cartels losses rose, they did not have the funds to pay the special taxes, bribes, to various narco states. Freedom movement sprouting like grass. Real native movements got info, funds, international support. Disguised warlord, communist, or other fascist groups were discarded

Losses at 750 billion

French Indochina, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, er al, joined with China, all seeing this as a chance to rid their cultures of the entire narco abomination or movement. They appear to be using ROE of, find them, kill them, have lunch applied across entire region. Short, brutal, very very effective.

One Trillion dollars in losses.

Cartels, through their ‘normal’ political groups were demanding in US congress detailed explanations of and names of those running this atrocity. How dare the US persecute honest businessmen with no convictions (ignore video of them loading 24 tons of dope in each of 5 semi trailers). “They have a right to face their accusers, trot um out so we can get a good shot” seemed to be background.

Cartels, well their US lawyers, shopped around, found federal judge who agreed, Ruled, Appealed. Polite young men crawled through judges life. Envelope quietly delivered. Judge resigned.

Second try, judge committed suicide after delivery.

Finding more, uh, morally flexible US Federal Judges became very difficult.

Next was really stupid but honest judge. Idiot had once released a 7 times serial rapist after 3 weeks of therapy as cured. And was shocked he killed his next victim. After detailed instruction and being an example of public humiliation, he resigned in disgrace.

Loses at 1.4 trillion as confiscation accelerated outside US.

Entire operation moved to back pages, existing police infrastructure continued, high res color night video with synchronized sound still in use sweeping up new players, although major seizure was now car or pickup full, not semi or RR car loads.

As major cartels died or were executed, international smuggling became high risk, low gain effort. Unsecured and very high risk transportation. Lack of friendly ports, very heavy and growing chance of betrayal by co-workers wanting an out with some leniency.

Last official estimate was 2.392 trillion US dollars in losses worldwide.

George was officially unemployed. His security would remain until the President said otherwise. POTUS was so happy, George should consider it permanent.

After opening walls through out house to repair, mostly replace wiring, telecommunications, WiFi feeds, plumbing and HVAC, Emily has been concentrating on sealing up everything seamlessly. No dings, dents, cracks, seams, visible parches, nothing marring smooth walls. Bonding primer applied to all walls. Her house, very very tough inspector. Her guys were good, they only had to do it twice.

Clean everything, dust free. Start applying Venetian plaster, highly polished. Standard three coats. Pigments selected (George was included as courtesy to husband) by female committee. George went out to play horseshoes with his detail, drink coffee, and enjoy afternoon. And think about names.

Mostly the Dad name. He was lost. Helpless. Foundling, raised up in the system, cared for, if that was term, by people whom saw him only as Foster Care Payment and barely remembered his name. Was gone on his 18th. Didn‘t know if they were alive and didn’t care. In school, very high achieving nerd loner, like his classmates. No one talked about parents. As he moved into government police work, he became even more isolated.

Emily saved his life. Being with her taught him love, caring, having someone who was his world. However, with her dad gone, and the husbands of the other two women in her family gone, he still had no one to emulate or learn from. He picked her crew. they were all family men with numerous children. He ate lunch and took breaks with them, rarely speaking up but always listening, at stories, advice, mistakes, successes, failures, everything.

They picked up new kid for help moving and leveling concrete porch and steps. Talked constantly, mostly about women he slept with. Finally, one afternoon, Foreman said, Boy, dick don’t make you a man, no more than getting girl pregnant. No more, gesturing to field, than horse or goat. Just make you male. Hell, half population is male. Not a big deal.

Want to be a man, a dad? Stick around for 20 years or so and raise up kid to be a good person. Then you can brag. Kid stormed off. Men all nodded. George thought. Foreman, closing his lunch box, the one covered with kid drawings said what you are doing is trying to learn, right? George was stunned. Uh, ah,…. It’s OK, you never mention family, ever. Got none, foundling, raised in system said George. Tough he said. You‘re doing good. My doors always open. And went back to work

George laughed. Super spy? Super intel op, right? These guys saw trough him like he was pane of glass.

Thought about names. Screw this. He found Emily and said I want to know. Now. She looked at him, saw his determination, and called her doctor, id’d herself and said gender please. Yes, now. Thanks, smiled, hung up. One each she said. After 3 seconds, perfect, family dinner tonight? OK, I’ll call.

At dinner, George said I’ve been thinking about names. Mostly dad and mom which have zero meaning for me, never having had either. Silence. Emily is helping with the mom thing and she has you. Dad I'm working on very hard. But I can manage suggestion on our twins. One man we agree was dedicated to his family, a good man, a good name, Paul.

Emily was shocked, the others looked thoughtful and began nodding.

And Ann or Anna or Aneta for strong women are in family. Instant tears. Ann was Emily’s moms middle name, Anna was Mari’s’ sister,lost to cancer. Aneta was woman who raised Albina after her moms passing.

Now, discuss while I destroy your no alcohol on job site rule. He walked out as catering from best Texmex place he could find pulled in. Held up bucket, all keys in bucket! Call spouses but their keys in bucket as well. Uber home provided. The guys looked at food, iced Mexican beer, each other, threw keys in bucket with one hand while calling home with other. Band arrived shortly. Party started breaking up as babysitter promised time approached. Despite promises, no one got their keys back. In morning their was a lot of shuttling with friends and relatives cars no one really minded.


Copyright©2025 Jim Bartlett

Author's Note

Polite young men. 1 of 2